It is very difficult in this day and age to talk about travel or frankly even think about leaving the house. People may be taking this time to watch that TV series they never finished, take up a new hobby or delve their hand into some DIY. However, it is very important to get out of the house at the same time, even if you’re tempted to click ‘play next episode’. People may be against the thought of any form of exercise but even going on a short walk can make a huge difference to our mental and physical health. I have always been a believer in exploring the beauty which is nearby rather than travelling abroad, and now I’m encouraging you to explore even more locally! We are lucky that in Northern Ireland we are never far away from a forest, park, river or coastal walk. I highly recommend taking that exercise around your local town or village and if necessary, take that drive to somewhere nearby where you can enjoy that scenic walk. We are also blessed with brilliant weather during these tough times so it’s very important to take the positives out of situations like these. I hope everyone will take that step and make the most out of their one outing during the day! Stay safe folks and remember to get outside!
The Lakelands
The County of Fermanagh is the perfect destination for water lovers, which may seem strange as it does not have a coastline. However, the county has a wealth of lakes and loughs. Lough Erne is the name given to two connected lakes in Fermanagh, Upper Lough Erne and Lower Lough Erne, making it the second biggest lough in Northern Ireland. You can explore the water by island hopping in kayaks, water taxis, cruises or by walking and cycling on the waterside. The Lough is home to many little islands. Devenish Island is an island in the lower lough and is home to a round tower thought to have been built in the twelfth century and inhabited by monks. White Island is also in lower Lough Erne and is the home to many monastic ruins and six very peculiar stone figures, believed to represent pilgrims. Water Taxis travel to and from the islands daily from Enniskillen for those wanting to explore these magical islands which make for a lovely day out. The area is also home to an array of estates and castles, many of which were built by wealthy English landowners during the Plantation of Ulster, with most now being owned by the National Trust. Crom Estate, Castle Coole, Castle Archdale and Florence Court are all large estates filled with acres of waterside and forest walks making Fermanagh the perfect family destination. You can also make the journey to the centre of the earth just 25 minutes outside of Enniskillen Town at the Marble Arch Caves. The Caves are home to one of the finest show caves in Europe, allowing visitors to explore the natural limestone caves. The caves are formed by rivers draining off the slopes of the nearby Cuilcagh Mountain, which brings us to probably the most magical place in Fermanagh and arguably the whole of Northern Ireland. Nicknamed the ‘Stairway to Heaven’, Cuilcagh Mountain is situated just 45 minutes from Enniskillen and is a 33km route that encapsulates the surrounding area by the iconic wooden boardwalk. It is a challenging climb but the view at the top is promising and is literally breath-taking. If you are planning on splashing out you can also visit the luxurious Lough Erne Resort, which once welcomed world leaders back in 2013 when hosting the G8 Summit. For the shoppers, the local Erneside Shopping Centre is home to over 30 stores and cafes. If you are feeing peckish you can visit the local Happiness Trap Coffee Shop and if you are ravenous, Granny Annies Bar and Kitchen is located in the heart of the town.
The Causeway Coast
When you hear of Northern Ireland, you can’t ignore the magical Giants Causeway. Its mysterious hexagonal stones laid on the North Coast has become the nation’s most popular tourist attractive, just over an hour drive from Belfast. With locals naming it the work of Finn McCool, and some blaming a volcanic eruption over fifty million years ago, it is unsure how the phenomenon occurred. Although, it is known is that it is one of the most magnificent spots in Northern Ireland. The Giant Celtic legend Finn McCool was said to have picked a fight with Scottish warrior Benandonner, building a path across the Irish sea to meet in the middle to settle their differences. According to legend, McCool defeated Benandonner and escaped back to Ireland, throwing the majority of the stoned path back into the ocean so he cannot be followed, creating The Giants Causeway. The Causeway is home to over one million visitors each year, with a state-of-the-art Visitor Centre opening in 2012. With the Giants Causeway being the main attraction, there are also many must see spots nearby. One of the most admired spots nearby is the Dark Hedges. The Dark Hedges is an avenue of beech trees made famous by appearing in the popular HBO series Game of Thrones. Taking off since the popularity of the series, the Dark Hedges is a fascinating sight, after being planted over 250 years ago by James Stewart to frame the avenue of his home, it has become a more than worthwhile journey for tourists, just a twenty minute drive from the Giants Causeway Visitor Centre. If you are a beach lover, you can visit White Park Bay, a lovely sanded beach just nine minutes from the Giants Causeway, and if you are lucky, you might be able to catch a few cows relaxing on the beach in the summer months. If you find yourself peckish, either bring a picnic and place yourself on the sand or the green or even visit the Bothy Coffee Shop just a minute away on the main road.
The Misty Mournes
The Mourne Mountains are a range of granite mountains in County Down, and home of Northern Ireland’s tallest mountain, Slieve Donard. Slieve Donard is a mountain located near the town of Newcastle and stands at 2,790 ft. It is a tough climb to the peek of Slieve Donard but you are promised to have a breath-taking view of Northern Ireland and the Irish Sea. The bespoke mountain range is also home to the beyond tranquil Silent Valley Reservoir. Silent Valley is a reservoir used as the supply source for most of County Down and the majority of Belfast. The Valley, located in the Ring of Gullion is the most peaceful place in Northern Ireland, with the only sound being the odd dog bark in the distance and the calm sound of water falling down the reservoir. If you walk far enough you will come to Ben Crom Resevior, just two miles from Silent Valley, in the lows of Slieve Binnian. The walk is quite long, but you will find yourself walking for hours, with all distractions many miles away. Just outside the town of Newcastle, you will find Tollymore Forest Park. You could find anything in the forest, from a stoned path crossing a river, gothic style gate arches, tepees and a tiny medieval coned shaped building overlooking the river trail. You will not be disappointed by Tollymore Forest Park and if you crave to get back to reality, you can do some shopping in the of Newcastle, or maybe visit the Railway St. Coffee Shop for a bite to eat.
Binevenagh
Binevenagh is a mountain outside Limavady in County Derry and is home to a range of Northern Ireland’s hidden gems. The Binevenagh Mountain walk is a three-mile route where you can peek to the summit of Binevenagh. On a good day with no fog, you would be able to see the elegant North Coast. Situated just under four miles away on the Binevenagh Loop stands the Gortmore Viewpoint. The spot is home to the statue of Manannan Mac Lir, a sea god originated from the area can be seen raising his arms in the direction of the sea. On a clear day, you may be fortunate enough to see Donegal and the Scottish Isles of Islay and Jura from the windy location where you may find yourself hiding behind the statue to block the wind. Venturing closer to the sea, the Downhill Demense is a tranquil beach where you may spot a few horse rides taking place. From the beach you can spot a small building on the edge of the coastline, the Mussenden Temple. The Mussenden Temple is a small circular building on the very edge of land near Castlerock. The temple was constructed in 1785, where you could once drive a carriage around, but due to coastal erosion, the building is much closer to edge. The destination is very tranquil, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. From the temple, you can spot the Benone Strand, a stretch of coastline that continues the length of the notorious Royal Portrush Gold Club. If you are feeling peckish, you can visit the rustic Sea Shed Coffee Shop, hidden on the Benone Beach.
The Best Road Trip Destinations in Northern Ireland 